Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned against emerging threats to the 2023 general election, particularly the grand plots by anti-democratic forces to remove the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu from office over alleged assets declaration ahead of the 2023 general election.
IPAC gave this warning yesterday during a media briefing held at its head office in Abuja.
In a speech written by the chairman of IPAC, Engr Yabagi Yusuf Sani and presented by Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, it noted that several attempts have been made to remove the INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu from office following his determination to conduct credible elections this year.
He said, “IPAC warns these reactionary forces to desist from their plots to truncate the nation’s emerging democracy.
“We are deeply concern about the level of insecurity in the country spreading in most of the states, where the governors are using sponsored thugs to stop and destroy campaign materials and the party offices of the opposition political parties in their respective states while the security agencies are helpless despite IGP, DSS, SSS, LSA assuring all parties, and warning the governors from destroying and stopping the activities of all the candidates, and to make the matter worse, all parties signed the Peace Accord to abide by the code of conduct for a peaceful conduct of campaign during election.
“The 2023 general election is indeed a defining moment for Nigerians to choose new leaders that will pilot the affairs of the nation in the next four years. Eligible citizens should collect PVC and vote for the candidates of their choice.
“The whole world is watching us as we go to polls on 25th February 2023, to elect the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The council urges local and foreign observers to ensure the polls are transparent and report any malpractices immediately for necessary action, National Assembly should expedite action on election offences commission.”
He added that IPAC as the umbrella body of the 18 registered political parties in the country, will continue to champion the consolidation and deepening of our democracy by ensuring an environment conducive for successful elections, political stability, enduring democracy and overall wellbeing of Nigerians.